Dear Faculty and Staff,
Today we’re sharing the
Designing DePaul Progress Report, which includes updates on our strategic plan, the FY27 budget, and the investments and innovation that will strengthen our future.
We encourage you to take time to read the report. We know this has been an extraordinarily difficult year for our university community, marked by uncertainty and change. Our hope is to provide a clearer understanding of where we stand today, the choices we’re making, and the path we’re building together for the years ahead.
The Board of Trustees recognizes both the challenges before us and the importance of continuing to invest in DePaul’s future. We’re pleased to share that yesterday, May 21, the Board approved the FY27 budget, allowing us to move forward with discipline, focus, and purpose. The Board also endorsed the five-year financial plan, which includes substantial investments in DePaul’s future. If we’re successful with this first set of investments, we will put those dollars toward future initiatives.
We invite you to
explore the report which includes:
- Outcomes from this year: This includes our work with Mission: Forwardcampaign, the Dialogue Collaborative, the Digital Transformation, BEAM, and our new Welcome Center.
- Future investments: Initial investments include an AI strategy, graduate program marketing, retention, and career readiness, as well as support for Athletics and an innovative co-op program coming to the Driehaus College of Business.
- Financial strategy: An overview of the FY27 budget and the university’s five-year financial plan.
Thank you for your contributions to this work and to the future we’re building together. If we succeed, DePaul will not simply navigate this period of uncertainty. We will help define what a modern, faith-based university can become — demonstrating how institutions can adapt to profound change while remaining grounded in purpose, academic excellence, and care for the individual.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Manuel
President
Salma Ghanem
Provost
Sherri Sidler
Executive Vice President & CFO